Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket launched in late 2024, offering players an exciting and accessible way to collect cards and engage in PvP battles on mobile – faithfully mirroring the physical TCG. The thrill of opening my first pack and pulling my first ex card had me hooked instantly, even more so when I got to use those stunning cards in battle. However, now that the game has been out for a while, with multiple expansion packs and updates, that initial excitement has started to fade.

The repetitive gameplay loop has gradually drained some of the fun out of the experience for me. During the Mythical Island expansion, I found myself spending hours on the game, earning XP through versus battles and opening packs with every available pack hourglass. Now, however, I only open the game once a day, and that’s it.

A Promising Start With Addictive Collecting

The Thrill Of Progression & Collecting Captured Me

Pokémon TCG Pocket offers so many great features – opening packs, selecting wonder picks, and building decks make it feel like the perfect game for long-time fans to get their Pokémon fix anywhere. The Genetic Apex set introduced iconic Pokémon like Mewtwo ex, Venusaur ex, and Charizard ex, which grabbed my attention and triggered the completionist side of my brain. This was made even better by the thrill of building a powerful deck and battling it out in versus battles.

As I delved deeper into the game, the sense of progression became increasingly rewarding. Unlocking rare cards, completing the first set, and experimenting with deck strategies that strayed from the meta, all added layers of depth to the experience. This immersion was further enhanced by later expansions like Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown sets, along with timed Wonder Pick and battle events that kept me engaged and the game feeling fresh. Unfortunately, despite more expansions being promised, the spark has faded.

Repetition & Lack of Depth Kill the Excitement

The Game Has Lost Some Appeal With Dull Rewards

It's fair to say that the novelty of collecting and battling lasted longer than I expected; I was playing every day for a substantial amount of time. However, as that novelty wore off, Pokémon TCG Pocket began to feel extremely repetitive. The gameplay loop became predictable and boring. Since the Triumphant Light mini-expansion set, I’ve lost all motivation to play. Now, I open the game, open my free pack, use my Wonder Pick stamina, collect my four hourglasses, and close the game until the next day.

Pokémon TGC Pocket was first released on October 30, 2024, and has since had three expansion sets after the Genetic Apex set, two of which have been mini-expansions.

The core of the game feels stagnant, leaving us with the same repetitive tasks day after day. While I still keep an eye on the potential of future events and expansions, I’m no longer certain they will keep me motivated to play. Outside of Pokémon TCG Pocket's emblem events, the 15 XP reward for battles feels minimal, and Wonder Pick events have become dull, as even the promo cards available don’t reignite the completionist desire. The lack of meaningful progression and excitement has made it hard to stay engaged, and the once-appealing aspects now feel like chores rather than enjoyable experiences.

Maybe Pokémon TCG Pocket Is Meant to Be a Casual Game

Perhaps my disappointment and dissatisfaction with Pokémon TCG Pocket comes from my own perception of the mobile game. Maybe the issue is not the game itself, but rather how I’ve been playing it. I no longer think the game has been designed for hours of grinding, but instead a quick, daily experience: logging in for 20 minutes, opening a few packs and playing a few battles before moving on. In this light, the game could fulfill its intended goal of being a casual TCG that fits into a busy lifestyle.

Ultimately, Pokémon TCG Pocket is suited for casual players looking for a quick and accessible way to enjoy the franchise. Tournaments are there to satisfy more serious players, and a future ranked mode would be a much-welcomed addition. But overall, there is no harm in changing the outlook on the game. While the initial game captivated me with its addictive collecting, the lack of further depth has dulled my experience. If I, and many other players, had embraced the game as a more casual experience, perhaps I would still find enjoyment in bite-sized sessions.

However, for players like me who crave more substantial content and strategy, it may not have the staying power to keep us coming back in the long term. There will be many eyes on whether Pokémon TCG Pocket can meet the demands of its dedicated players.